CUFF POCKET

Abstract

A garment includes a torso portion having a shoulder region and a sleeve extending from the shoulder region. The sleeve has an interior terminating at a cuff. A panel is secured within the interior proximate the cuff to form a cuff pocket. The cuff pocket may include a floor the either extends adjacent to an edge of the cuff and/or that is downwardly beyond and outside the interior.

Claims

1. A garment comprising: a torso portion having a shoulder region; a sleeve extending from the shoulder region, the sleeve having an interior terminating at a cuff having a cuff edge, an inner side facing the torso portion, an outer side opposite the inner side, a forward facing side and a rearward facing side; and a panel secured within the interior proximate the cuff to form a cuff pocket, the cuff pocket having a floor extending along and adjacent to the cuff edge.

2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the cuff edge and the floor share a seam.

3. The garment of claim 2, wherein the cuff pocket extends within the interior along the outer side of the sleeve.

4. The garment of claim 3, wherein the outer side of the sleeve protrudes downwardly beyond the inner side of the sleeve.

5. The garment of claim 4, wherein the cuff pocket has a mouth within the interior and a floor on the outer side of the sleeve that is downwardly beyond and outside the interior of the sleeve.

6. The garment of claim 5, wherein the cuff edge has a first edge portion extending perpendicular to a centerline of the sleeve and a second edge portion that downwardly slopes from the first edge portion and wherein the floor downwardly slopes along the second edge portion.

7. The garment of claim 5, wherein the cuff edge has a downwardly angled edge portion that downwardly slopes and wherein the floor downwardly slopes along the downwardly angled edge portion.

8. The garment of claim 5, wherein the panel extends at least 180 degrees about a centerline of the interior of the sleeve.

9. The garment of claim 1, wherein the sleeve comprises a non-elastomeric portion on an outer side of the sleeve along the cuff pocket and an elastomeric portion on the inner side of the sleeve opposite the cuff pocket.

10. The garment of claim 1, wherein the panel is configured to protrude downwardly beyond at least portions of the cuff edge in response to a hand occupying the cuff pocket.

11. The garment of claim 1, wherein the cuff pocket extends along the rearward facing side of the sleeve.

12. The garment of claim 1, wherein the rearward side of the sleeve protrudes downwardly beyond the forward-facing side of the sleeve.

13. The garment of claim 1, wherein the cuff pocket has a mouth within the interior of the sleeve and a floor that is downwardly beyond and outside the interior of the sleeve.

14. The garment of claim 1, wherein the cuff edge has a downwardly angled edge portion that downwardly slopes and wherein the floor downwardly slopes along the downwardly angled edge portion.

15. The garment of claim 1, wherein the panel extends at least 180 degrees about a centerline of the interior of the sleeve.

16. The garment of claim 1, wherein the cuff edge has a first edge portion extending perpendicular to a centerline of the sleeve and a second edge portion that downwardly slopes from the first edge portion and wherein the floor downwardly slopes along the second edge portion.

17. The garment of claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary pocket, wherein the auxiliary pocket and the cuff pocket overlap with at least portions of the auxiliary pocket being coextensive with the cuff pocket.

18. The garment of claim 1 further comprising a heating element proximate the cuff pocket.

19. The garment of claim 1, wherein the panel comprises a pleat providing expandability to the cuff pocket.

20. A garment comprising: a torso portion having a shoulder region; a sleeve extending from the shoulder region, the sleeve having an interior and a cuff; and an elastomeric panel secured within the interior proximate to the cuff to form a pocket, the pocket having a mouth within the interior and a floor downwardly beyond and outside the interior.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating portions of an example garment having an example cuff pocket.

[0003] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the garment of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2.

[0004] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the garment of FIG. 2 taken along line 3-3.

[0005] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the garment of FIG. 2 taken along line 4-4.

[0006] FIG. 5 is a sectional view illustrating portions of an example garment having an example cuff pocket, the sectional view being taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

[0007] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the garment of FIG. 5 taken along line 6-6.

[0008] FIG. 7 is a sectional view illustrating portions of an example garment having an example cuff pocket, the sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

[0009] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the garment of FIG. 7 taken along line 8-8.

[0010] FIG. 9 is a sectional view illustrating portions of an example garment having an example cuff pocket, the sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

[0011] FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating portions of an example garment having an example cuff pocket.

[0012] FIG. 11A is a sectional view of an example of the cuff pocket of the garment of FIG. 10 with an example linearly sloped cuff extension.

[0013] FIG. 11B is a sectional view of the example cuff pocket of FIG. 11A with an example curved cuff extension.

[0014] FIG. 11C is a sectional view of the example cuff pocket of FIG. 11A with an example curved cuff extension.

[0015] FIG. 12A is a sectional view of an example of the cuff pocket of the garment of FIG. 10 with an example linearly sloped cuff extension.

[0016] FIG. 12B is a sectional view of the example cuff pocket of FIG. 12A with an example curved cuff extension.

[0017] FIG. 12C is a sectional view of the example cuff pocket of FIG. 12A with an example curved cuff extension.

[0018] FIG. 13A is a sectional view of an example of the cuff pocket of the garment of FIG. 10 with an example linearly sloped cuff extension.

[0019] FIG. 13B is a sectional view of the example cuff pocket of FIG. 13A with an example curved cuff extension.

[0020] FIG. 13C is a sectional view of the example cuff pocket of FIG. 13A with an example curved cuff extension.

[0021] FIG. 14 is a sectional view illustrating portions of an example garment having a first cuff pocket and a second cuff pocket, the sectional view being taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the garment of FIG. 14 taken along line 15-15 and additionally illustrating an example heating element.

[0023] FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the garment of FIG. 15 taken along line 16-16.

[0024] FIG. 17 illustrates a garment of FIG. 14 with the example heating element positioned within the first cuff pocket and fingers of a hand positioned within the second cuff pocket.

[0025] FIG. 18A is a sectional view illustrating portions of an example garment having a first example cuff pocket and a second example cuff pocket and additionally illustrating an example heating element and an example electrical heating system.

[0026] FIG. 18B is an enlarged view of a portion of the cuff pocket of the example garment of FIG. 18A.

[0027] FIG. 18C is an enlarged view of the portion of the cuff pocket of FIG. 18B with the cuff pocket in an expanded state.

[0028] FIG. 19 is a front view illustrating portions of an example garment having an example cuff pocket.

[0029] FIG. 20 is a rear view of the example garment of FIG. 19 having sleeves with example cuff pockets.

[0030] FIG. 21 is an enlarged front view of an example cuff of a sleeve of the garment of FIG. 19.

[0031] FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of the cuff of FIG. 21 from an inner side of the sleeve of the garment of FIG. 19.

[0032] FIG. 23 is a view illustrating the cuff of FIG. 21 turned inside out.

[0033] FIG. 24 is a view illustrating the cuff of FIG. 22 turned inside out.

[0034] FIG. 25 is a perspective view illustrating the garment of FIG. 19 while being worn by a person.

[0035] FIG. 26 is an enlarged view of a front of a sleeve of the garment of FIG. 25.

[0036] FIG. 27 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a hand of the person of FIG. 25 being curled in a first inserted within an example cuff pocket.

[0037] FIG. 28 is a view of the garment of FIG. 27 from an inner side of the sleeve with the hand curled in a first and position within the example cuff pocket.

[0038] FIG. 29 is a side view illustrating portions of an example garment having a sleeve with an example cuff pocket.

[0039] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a portion of an example garment from an inner side of an example sleeve of the garment.

[0040] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the example garment of FIG. 30 from a side of the sleeve.

[0041] FIG. 32 is a perspective view sleeve of the garment of FIG. 30 turned inside out.

[0042] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the sleeve of the garment of FIG. 31 turned inside out.

[0043] FIG. 34 is a sectional view of the sleeve of the garment of FIG. 33 taken along line 34-34 and illustrating an example pleat in a folded state.

[0044] FIG. 35 is a sectional view of the sleeve of the garment of FIG. 33 taken along line 35-35 and illustrating the example pleat in the folded state.

[0045] FIG. 36 is a sectional view of the sleeve of the garment of FIG. 33 with an example lead in an unfolded state.

[0046] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the garment of FIG. 36 illustrating an example cuff pocket receiving a hand with the example pleat being unfolded.

[0047] FIG. 38 is a sectional view of the sleeve of the garment of FIG. 30 taken along line 39-39, illustrating an example elastic rim in an unstretched state.

[0048] FIG. 39 is a sectional view of the sleeve of the garment of FIG. 30 taken along line 39-39, illustrating the example elastic rim in a stretched state.

[0049] Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and the size of some parts may be exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the example shown. Moreover, the drawings provide examples and/or implementations consistent with the description; however, the description is not limited to the examples and/or implementations provided in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

[0050] Disclosed are example garments that include pockets within the sleeve cuffs. The pockets may be used for a variety of purposes. In some implementations, the pockets are sized and located for receiving the fingers or the hand of a person wearing the garment. In such implementations, the pockets protect the person's hands and may assist in keeping the hands warm in cold environments. In some implementations, the pockets may also or alternatively be used for other purposes, such as for containing various items.

[0051] In some implementations, the pockets have interior floors that extend along and adjacent to an edge of the cuff. Because the interior floors extend along and adjacent to the edge of the cuff, the interior floors may be provided at lower locations without increasing the overall length of the sleeve or lowering the sleeve opening. Because the floor of the pocket is lower, the pocket may be deeper without impacting the ability the person wearing the garment to retract his or her hands into the sleeve to insert his or her hands into the pocket. Because the floors of the pockets are lower, the extent to which the arms of the person wearing the garment are retracted into the sleeves while the hands reside within the pockets is reduced. As result, the garment may be more comfortable to wear when such pockets are being utilized for receiving hands.

[0052] For purposes of this disclosure, the term sleeve opening refers to the location along the sleeve where the hand, wrist or arm of the person wearing the garment is no longer completely circumscribed or surrounded by the sleeve. In some implementations, the sleeve opening is entirely defined by the edge of the cuff, such as where the sleeve has a uniform length about its circumference and the entire edge of the cuff terminates in a single plane perpendicular to a longitudinal center axis of an interior of the sleeve.

[0053] For purposes of this disclosure, the term cuff refers to those regions of the sleeve that include the lowermost edges of the sleeve. The cuff may be split and closable by means of a button or link. The cuff may not be split, forming continuous unbroken tubular region. The cuff may be a band of material or materials secured to a remainder of the sleeve. The cuff may be formed from the same sheet or panel of material that forms the rest of the sleeve, being integrally formed with the remainder of the sleeve that extends upward to shoulder regions of the garment.

[0054] As indicated above, in some implementations, the lower edges of the cuff form an entirety of the sleeve opening. As will be described hereafter, in other implementations, portions of the cuff or portions of the cuff edge may protrude downwardly below the sleeve opening such that portions of the cuff only extend on one side of the longitudinal center axis of the sleeve interior, extending adjacent to one side of the person's hand, wrist or arm while leaving the other side exposed when the hand is not received within the pocket. Such extension portions of the cuff may have lower edges that transition from those portions of the cuff that define the sleeve opening.

[0055] In such implementations, the lower edges of the extension portions of the cuff may linearly slope or ramp downward from the sleeve opening or may curve downwardly (in a concave or convex manner) from the sleeve opening. In such implementations, at least portions of the pocket floor may be supported by the extension portions of the cuff, providing the pocket floor with a lower location without lowering the sleeve opening. As noted above, because the floor of the pocket is lower, the pocket may be deeper without impacting the ability the person wearing the garment to retract his or her hands into the sleeve to insert his or her hands into the pocket. Because the floor of the pocket is lower, the extent to which the arms of the person wearing the garment are retracted into the sleeve while the hand resides within the pocket is reduced. As result, the garment may be more comfortable to wear when the pocket is being utilized for receiving a hand.

[0056] In some implementations, the internal floor of the pocket may extend along and adjacent to the lower edges of those portions of the cuff that extend or protrude below the sleeve opening. In some implementations, the internal floor of the pocket may be supported by the extension portions of the cuff while being spaced from or above the lower edges of those portions of the cuff that extend or protrude below the sleeve opening. In each of such alternative implementations where the floor of the pocket is below the sleeve opening, beyond and below the interior of the sleeve, the pocket may still have an upwardly facing entrance opening or mouth within the interior of the sleeve, above the lower sleeve opening.

[0057] The sleeve is generally tubular, having an inner side facing torso portion of the garment, an outer side opposite the inner side, a forward facing side and a rearward facing side. In some implementations, the pocket is formed within the interior of the sleeve on the outer side of the sleeve such that the pocket faces the back of the person's hand or wrist when the pocket is not receiving the person's hand. As result, a person wearing the garment may more easily retract his or her hand into the interior to access the mouth of the pocket and then extend his or her hand forwardly into the pocket.

[0058] In some implementations where the cuff comprises an extension that projects below the sleeve opening, the extension is also located on the outer side of the sleeve. As result, the extension may cover the back of a person's hand and/or fingers when the hand is not being received within the pocket. With such a configuration, the palm of the hand or at least the palm side of the fingers of the hand remain exposed, permitting the person to continue to use his or her hand when grasping or manipulating articles, depressing environmental surfaces and/or providing touch. In those implementations where the pocket is at least partially carried by the extension portion of the cuff, the pocket is also less likely to interfere with use of the hand when the hand is not being received within the pocket.

[0059] In some implementations, the extension of the cuff may be located on a rear side of the sleeve, providing a greater degree of exposure to the person's thumb for manual manipulations. In yet other implementations, the extension of the cuff may be located on the front or inner side of the sleeve.

[0060] In some implementations, the garment may comprise a second auxiliary pocket adjacent to the above-described primary pocket, wherein the primary pocket in the auxiliary pocket at least partially overlap one another. The second auxiliary pocket may be at least partially coextensive with the first primary pocket. The second auxiliary pocket may be sized and configured to receive a removable heating element. In such implementations, the removable heating element may be received within the auxiliary pocket to further warm the fingers or hand of the person wearing the garment.

[0061] In some implementations, the heating element may comprise a flexible pouch or bag containing a fluid material (a liquid or particulate material) configured to absorb energy or heat and slowly release heat. For example, a pouch or bag may contain a liquid or spherical particles which may be heated using microwave oven or other heat sources, wherein the stored heat is slowly released. In some implementations, the removable heating element may comprise a flexible bag or pouch containing isolated chemicals, wherein manual or other manipulation of the pouch or bag results in the chemicals being mixed to create an exothermic reaction that releases heat. In yet other implementations, the heating element may comprise other forms or mechanisms that slowly release heat.

[0062] In some implementations, interior portions of the primary pocket may be lined with electrically resistive heating elements which when supplied with electrical current, emit heat for warming the contents of the primary pocket. In some implementations, where the auxiliary pocket is provided, the auxiliary pocket may be figured to receive a battery and a switch for selectively supplying electrical current to the electrically resistive heating elements. In implementations where the auxiliary pocket is not provided, the garment may be provided with other compartments or compartments at other locations for containing a battery and switch for selecting supplying electrical power to the electrically resistive heating elements.

[0063] In some implementations, the primary pocket or cuff pocket may be formed by a single panel which is secured against an interior surface of the sleeve. In some implementations, the primary pocket or cuff pocket may be formed by a pair of overlapping or coextensive panels secured to and against an interior surface of the sleeve, wherein one of the pockets forms a back interior surface of the pocket and the other the pockets forms a front interior surface of the pocket. In such implementations, the panels may be chosen from materials that are softer, more flexible, more compressible and/or more insulative as compared to the internal surface of the sleeve to which such panels are secured. In some implementations, the primary pocket or cuff pocket may be formed by a single panel that is folded to form the front and rear interiors of the pocket, wherein the fold may extend along or itself form the floor of the pocket. In some implementations, the two portions on opposite sides of the fold of the folded panel may be provided with different lengths.

[0064] In each of the implementations, the panel may comprise a single layer of a perforate or breathable material or a single layer of an imperforate material. The panel may comprise a single layer of material which is coated or to which another layer is fused. The panel may comprise multiple layers of the same or different material secured to one another by stitching, welds, fusing or the like. In some implementations, the panel may comprise multiple layers of different thicknesses or multiple layers that capture or sandwich a third thicker insulative layer therebetween. The panel may include a layer of the same material as that of the inner surface of the sleeve.

[0065] In some implementations, the panel or panels may be secured to the sleeve by stitching. In some implementations, the floor of the pocket formed by the panel or panels may be defined by stitching, wherein the pocket shares the same as the stitching that forms the sleeve along the cuff. For example, lower portions of sleeve may be folded along the edge of the cuff, wherein the folded panels of the sleeve are secured by the same stitch line that defines the floor of the pocket. In other implementations, the panel or panels may be secured to the sleeve in other fashions such as with adhesives, welds or fusing or the like. In some implementations, the panel or panels forming the pocket may be releasably secured to interior surfaces of the sleeve (and interior facing surfaces of the extension portions of the cuff that extend below the sleeve opening, when provided). For example, the cuff pocket may be releasably secured to the sleeve by hook and loop fasteners, one or more zippers, snaps, buttons or the like, permitting the pocket be removed in circumstances where the pocket is not required or desired, such as during warmer times of the year, or when weight reduction is desired.

[0066] In some implementations, the outermost panel of the pocket is elastic or resilient so as to tightly conform to the interior shape of the sleeve, extending in contact and closely along interior surface of the sleeve and any extensions when not receiving an article or a person's hand. In some implementations, the entirety of the outermost panel is formed from a resilient or elastic material such as spandex, Lycra or elastane. In some implementations, portions along the mouth or entrance opening of the pocket may be provided with an elastic band, strip or cord which may extend along an exterior of the mouth or may be contained within a fold along the mouth, wherein the elastic band, strip, or cord retains mouth in a closed position when the pocket is not being used and may retain the mouth against the interior surfaces of the sleeve. In some implementations, the outermost panel of the pocket may be provided with a series of multiple elastic bands, strips or cord for elastically retaining a majority of the pocket in close conformity with and adjacent to interior surfaces of the sleeve or arm-facing surfaces of those portions of the cuff that extend below the sleeve opening.

[0067] For purposes of this disclosure, the term coupled shall mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members, or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.

[0068] For purposes of this disclosure, the phrase configured to denotes an actual state of configuration that fundamentally ties the stated function/use to the physical characteristics of the feature proceeding the phrase configured to.

[0069] For purposes of this disclosure, the term releasably or removably with respect to an attachment or coupling of two structures means that the two structures may be repeatedly connected and disconnected to and from one another without material damage to either of the two structures or their functioning.

[0070] FIG. 1 illustrates portions of an example garment 20. Garment 20 may be in the form of a coat, jacket, hoody, sweater, shirt or other garment having a torso portion 24 and a pair of sleeves 26-1, 26-2. Torso portion 24 comprises that portion of garment 20 configured to clothe a person's torso, including the person's chest, back and, in some implementations, abdomen. Torso portion 24 comprise shoulder regions 25-1 and 25-2 on opposite sides of a neck opening 28. In some implementations, neck opening 28 may additionally comprise a neck cuff or turtleneck or may be bordered by a hood. Although illustrated as being concave or curved downward, in other implementations, neck opening 28 may extend across and be level with shoulder regions 25 or may have a V shape. In some implementations, torso portion 24 continuously extends across the front and back of the person wearing garment 20. In other implementations, the front and/or back of the torso portion 24 may be split, wherein opposite sides of the split may be selectively closed by a closing mechanism 30 (shown in broken lines). The closing mechanism 30 may be in the form of a zipper, hook and loop fastener, one or more hooks and/or one or more buttons. Although not illustrated, torso portion 24 may additionally comprise external or internal pockets.

[0071] Sleeves 26-1, 26-2 (collectively referred to as sleeves 26) extends laterally from shoulder regions 25-1 and 25-12, respectively. Sleeves 26-1 and 26-2 each terminate at cuffs 32-1 and 32-2, respectively. Sleeves 26-1 and 26-2 are substantially identical to one another.

[0072] FIGS. 2-4 are sectional views of sleeve 26-1. As shown by FIGS. 2-4, sleeve 26-1 is generally tubular in shape and comprises an interior 34 that terminates at sleeve opening 36. In the example illustrated, cuff 32-1 does not include any extension such that the lower edges 38 of cuff 32-1 coincide with sleeve opening 36. Sleeve 26-1 has an inner side 40 that faces and is closest to torso portion 24, an outer side 42 opposite to inner side 40, a forward facing side 44, and a rearward facing side 46.

[0073] Although the cross-sections shown in FIG. 2-4 illustrate sleeve 26-1 as being formed by a panel or wall 48 comprising a single layer for ease of illustration, it should be appreciated that the single layer shown schematically represents wall 48 of sleeve 26-1, wherein the tubular wall 48 forming sleeve 26-1 may comprise a single layer or multiple layers. For example, in some implementations, to the tubular wall 48 of sleeve 26-1 may be formed from inner and outer layers with an insulative layer therebetween. The lower edges of wall 48 forming the lower edges 38 of cuff 32-1 may be hemmed turned under, or folded and secured, such as by stitching line 50. In the example illustrated, wall 48 is continuous, extending from shoulder region 25-1 to lower edge 38 of cuff 32-1. As indicated above, in some implementations, wall 48 may be part of a cuff 32-1 that is joined or secured to a remainder of sleeve 26-1 at a location further toward shoulder region 25-1.

[0074] As further shown by FIGS. 2-4, garment 20 additionally comprises a panel 54 secured within the interior 34 proximate a cuff 32-1 to form cuff pocket 56 on the rearward facing side of sleeves 26. In other implementations, cuff pocket 56 may extend along the outer side or other sides of sleeves 26. Cuff pocket 56 comprises a floor 60, lateral sides 62 and an entrance opening or mouth 64 that form a pocket interior 65. Floor 60 extends along and adjacent to cuff edge 38. In one example implementation, floor 60 is located within the interior 34 of the sleeve 26-1 no greater than 0.5 inches from cuff edge 38. As a result, the extent to which the arms of the person wearing the garment are retracted into the sleeve 26-1 while the hand resides within the pocket 56 is reduced. As result, the garment 20 may be more comfortable to wear when pocket 56 is being utilized for receiving a hand. Although floor 60 is illustrated as being generally parallel to cuff edge 38, in other implementations, floor 60 may be V-shaped, or may be concave.

[0075] Sides 62 extend upwardly from floor 60 and cooperate with floor 60 to form the interior of pocket 56. Mouth 64 provides access to the interior of pocket 56. Mouth 64 is located within the interior 34 of sleeve 26-1. In the example illustrated, mouth 64 is spaced from floor 60 such that the interior pocket 56 has a depth D sufficient to receive at least an entire length of each of the fingers of a hand received within pocket 56. In some implementations, pocket 56 has a depth D within the range of 8 cm to 13 cm. Pocket 56 has a width W sufficient to receive at least the index finger, middle finger, ring finger and pinky of the hand received within pocket 56. In some implementations, pocket 56 has a width W of at least 4 cm. In some implementations, the pocket 56 has a width within the range of 4 cm to 7 cm. In some implementations, the pocket 56 can have a pocket ratio of approximately 65 percent or approximately 234 degrees about the centerline 65 of the interior 34 of the sleeve 26-1 (or about the circumference of the sleeve at the cuff pocket). The pocket ratio refers to the amount of the circumference of the sleeve that is covered by the pocket 56 over 360 degrees. In some implementations, pocket 56 extends within the range of 180 degrees to 260 degrees about the axial centerline 65 of the interior 34 of sleeve 26-1 (or about the circumference of sleeve at the cuff pocket) or a pocket ration within the range of 50% to 72%. In some implementations, pocket 56 extends greater than 260 about the axial centerline 65 of the interior 34 of sleeve 26-1.

[0076] In some implementations, the mouth 64 of pocket 56 may additionally be associated with a releasable connector 67 (schematically shown in FIG. 4) for releasably securing or maintaining mouth 64 in a closed state. As result, the person's hand is the lines likely to accidentally extend into the pocket 56 during initial insertion of the person's arm through the sleeve 26-1. Examples of connector 67 include, one or more snaps, one or more hook and loop fasteners, one or more hooks/loops and/or one or more buttons/buttonholes.

[0077] In the example illustrated, panel 54 is secured to the interior surfaces of sleeve 26-1 by connectors 66 in the form of stitching or stitch lines extending along floor 60 and sides 62. In some implementations, the connectors 66 securing panel 54 along floor 60 comprise the same stitch line 50 that hems lower edges 38 of cuff 32-1. In other implementations, connectors 66 may alternatively be in the form of heat welds, fusing, adhesives or the like. In some implementations, panel 54 may be releasably secured to the interior surfaces of sleeve 26-1 by connectors 66 in the form of one or more zippers, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons or the like.

[0078] As shown by FIGS. 2 and 4, panel 54 is secured within the interior of sleeve 26-1 and is configured such that panel 54 and pocket 56 remain in close conformity with the interior surfaces of sleeve 26-1 when pocket 56 is not receiving a hand or is not containing any articles. In some implementations, at least portions of panel 54 are formed from a resilient elastic material. In some implementations, the entirety of the panel 54 is formed from a resilient or elastic material such as spandex, Lycra or elastane.

[0079] As shown by broken lines, in some implementations, portions along the mouth 64 of the pocket 56 may be provided with an elastic retainer 70 in the form of an elastic band, strip or cord which may extend along an exterior/interior of the mouth 64 or may be contained within a fold (hem) along the mouth 64. The retainer 70 retains mouth 64 in a closed position when the pocket 56 is not being used and may retain the mouth 64 against the interior surfaces of the sleeve 26-1. As result, the mouth 64 is less likely to be inadvertently engaged by a person's hand during the donning of garment 20.

[0080] In some implementations, the panel 54 of the pocket 56 may be provided with a series of elastic retainers 72 in the form of multiple elastic bands, strips or cords for elastically retaining a majority of the pocket 56 in close conformity with and adjacent to interior surfaces of the sleeve 26-1. As result, pocket 56 is less likely to interfere with the donning of garment 20 when pocket 56 is not being utilized. In implementations where the elastic retainer 70 and/or elastic retainers 72 are provided, portions of panel 54 may be formed from flexible, but inelastic materials. For example, panel 54 may be formed from a non-stretchable material which may be softer, may be more compressible or may offer enhanced insulative properties or enhanced feel for a hand received within pocket 56. In some implementations, elastic retainer 70 and/or retainers 72 may be omitted such as where panel 54 is formed from an elastic material. In some implementations, panel 54 may be formed from an inelastic material and retainers 70, 72 may be omitted.

[0081] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate portions of an example garment 120. FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 1 illustrating portions of an example garment 120. Garment 120 is similar to garment 20 described above except that garment 120 comprises panel 154 and cuff pocket 156. Panel 154 is similar to panel 54 described above except that panel 154 comprises a rear portion 155 and a front portion 157 joined by a fold 159. Rear portion 155 is secured to wall 48 by connector 167. Those remaining components of garment 120 which correspond to components of garment 20 are numbered similarly.

[0082] Fold 159 forms the floor 60 of pocket 156. In some implementations, the connectors 66 otherwise extending along floor 60 may be omitted. Connector 167 may comprise stitching, adhesives or welds. In some implementations, connector 167, along with connectors 66 may releasably connect pocket 156 to the interior of sleeve 26-1. In such implementations, connector 167 may comprise a hook and loop fastener, a zipper, buttons, hooks or the like.

[0083] FIGS. 7 and 8 are sectional views illustrating portions of an example garment 220 having an example sleeve 26-1 as described above. FIG. 7 is a sectional view through sleeve 26-1 of garment 220 taken along line 6-6. FIG. 8 is a sectional view of sleeve 26-1 of garment 220 taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 5. Garment 220 is similar to garment 120 described above except that garment 220 comprises panel 254 which forms pocket 256. Those remaining components of garment 220 which correspond to components of garment 120 are numbered similarly.

[0084] As shown by FIGS. 7 and 8, panel 254 is similar to panel 154 in that panel 254 comprise rear portion 255 which is joined to front portion 157 by fold 159. In contrast to panel 154, panel 254 has a rear portion 255 with a length or height equal to the length or height of the innermost or frontmost portion 157 of panel 254. In some implementations, rear portion 255 may have a length or height greater than the length or height of the innermost or frontmost portion 157 of panel 254. Rear portion 255 forms a back wall or lining for the interior 65 of the formed pocket 256.

[0085] Rear portion 255 may be secured to the surface of wall 48 along the interior 34 by connector 167. Connector 167 may comprise stitching, adhesives, welds or the like. In some implementations, an entire face of rear portion 255 may be fused to wall 48 or adhere to wall 48. In some implementations, connector 167 may releasably connect panel 254 and pocket 256 to the interior surfaces of wall 48 along interior 34 of sleeve 26-1. For example, connector 167 may comprise a hook and loop fastener. In some implementations, the outer side 261 of rear portion 255 and the inner surface of wall 48 may additionally include one or more hook and loop patches or strips 263 which releasably connect to one another to releasably secure pocket 256 to wall 48. In other implementations, the hook and loop fasteners 263 and connector 167 may alternatively comprise buttons, snaps or the like. In such implementations, the connector 66 along the floor of pocket 256 may be omitted.

[0086] FIG. 9 is a sectional view illustrating portions of an example garment 320 having an example sleeve 26-1 as described above. FIG. 9 is a sectional view through sleeve 26-1 of garment 220 taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5. Garment 320 is similar to garment 220 described above except that garment 320 comprises two distinct panels, panels 354-1 and 354-2 which form pocket 356. Those remaining components of garment 320 which correspond to components of garment 220 are numbered similarly.

[0087] Panel 354-1 has a back face 360 which is joined to an inner surface of wall 48 by connector 367. Panel 354-1 has a length or height equal to the length or height of panel 354-2. Panel 354-1 forms a back wall or lining for the interior 65 of the formed pocket 356.

[0088] Panels 354-1 and 354-2 are joined by a connector 366 at their lower end to form floor 60 of pocket 356. In some implementations, connector 366 may be provided by the seam line 50 which provides a hem for sleeve 26-1. Connector 367 may comprise stitches, adhesives or welds securing face 361 to the interior of wall 48. In some implementations, connector 367 may releasably secure pocket 356 to the interior of wall 48, along the interior 34 of sleeve 26-1. For example, in some implementations, connector 367 may comprise a large patch or multiple smaller patches of hook and loop fasteners having a first portion of the hook and loop fastener secured to face 361 and a second portion of the hook and loop fastener secured to the interior of wall 48. With the example garment 320 shown in FIG. 9, panel 354-1 and panel 354-2 may be formed from different materials. For example, panel 354-1 may be formed from a more insulative or softer material that may be inelastic while panel 354-2 is formed from an elastic material such that withdrawal of the hand from pocket 356 results in panel 354-2 resiliently returning into close conformity with the interior of wall 48.

[0089] FIGS. 10 and 11A illustrate portions of an example garment 420. Garment 420 is similar to garment 20 described above except that garment 420 comprises sleeves 426-1 and 426-2 (collectively referred to as sleeves 426) in place of sleeves 26-1 and 26-2, respectively. Sleeves 426 are similar to sleeves 26 except that sleeves 426-1 and 426-2 have cuffs 432-1 and 432-2 comprising extensions 441 that project below sleeve openings 436. In the example illustrated, floor 60 is carried by extension 441, below and beyond the interior 34 of sleeve 426-2 while the mouth 64 of pocket 56 resides within interior 34 of sleeve 426-2. In the illustrated example, pocket 56 extends on the outer side of sleeves 426-2. In other implementations, cuff pocket 56 may extend along the rearward facing side or other sides of sleeve 426-2. Because the floor of the pocket 56 is lower, below sleeve opening 436, the pocket 56 may be deeper without impacting the ability the person wearing the garment to retract his or her hands into the sleeve 426-2 to insert his or her hands into the pocket 56. Because the floor 60 of the pocket 56 is lower, the extent to which the arms of the person wearing the garment are retracted into the sleeve 426-2 while the hand resides within the pocket 56 is reduced. As result, the garment 420 may be more comfortable to wear when the pocket 56 is being utilized for receiving a hand. Because the mouth 64 resides within the interior 34 of sleeve 426, the interior of the pocket 56 may be maintained at a warmer temperature.

[0090] In the example illustrated, extension 441 has a lower edge 438 that linearly slopes or ramps downwardly from sleeve opening 436 to a location below or at floor 60. FIGS. 11B and 11C illustrate variations of sleeve 426-2 and of extension 441 of cuffs 432. As shown in FIG. 11B, extension 441 may have a lower edge 438 that alternatively curves from sleeve opening 436 to a location at or below floor 60 with a concave profile. As shown by FIG. 11C, extension 441 may have a lower edge 438 that alternatively curves from sleeve opening 436 to a location at or below floor 60 with a convex profile.

[0091] FIG. 12A is a sectional view illustrating portions of an example garment 520. Garment 520 is similar to garment 420 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11A except that garment 520 comprises panel 254 and pocket 256 in place of panel 54 and pocket 56, respectively. As described above, panel 254 comprises a rear portion 255 and a front portion 157 joined by a fold 159. In the example illustrated, rear portion 255 extends vertically above mouth 64 of pocket 256.

[0092] As with garment 420, extension 441 has a linear edge 438 that linearly slopes or ramps downward from sleeve opening 436 to a location at or below floor 60 of pocket 256. FIGS. 12B and 12C illustrate variations of sleeve 426-2 and of extension 441 of cuffs 432. As shown in FIG. 12B, extension 441 may have a lower edge 438 that alternatively curves from sleeve opening 436 to a location at or below floor 60 with a concave profile. As shown by FIG. 12C, extension 441 may have a lower edge 438 that alternatively curves from sleeve opening 436 to a location at or below floor 60 with a convex profile.

[0093] FIG. 13A is a sectional view illustrating portions of an example garment 620. Garment 620 is similar to garment 420 except that garment 620 comprises panel 154 and pocket 156 in place of panel 54 and pocket 56, respectively. As described above, panel 154 comprises a rear portion 155 and a front portion 157 joined by a fold 159. In the example illustrated, rear portion 255 extends vertically above mouth 64 of pocket 256.

[0094] As with garment 420, extension 441 has a linear edge 438 that linearly slopes or ramps downward from sleeve opening 436 to a location at or below floor 60 of pocket 156. FIGS. 13B and 13C illustrate variations of sleeve 426-2 and of extension 441 of cuffs 432. As shown in FIG. 13B, extension 441 may have a lower edge 438 that alternatively curves from sleeve opening 436 to a location at or below floor 60 with a concave profile. As shown by FIG. 13C, extension 441 may have a lower edge 438 that alternatively curves from sleeve opening 436 to a location at or below floor 60 with a convex profile.

[0095] FIGS. 14-17 illustrate portions of an example garment 720. FIGS. 14-17 illustrates an example of how the garment may comprise a second auxiliary pocket at least partially overlapping the above-described primary pocket. The second auxiliary pocket may be at least partially coextensive with the first primary pocket. The second auxiliary pocket may be sized and configured to receive a removable heating element. In such implementations, the removable heating element may be received within the auxiliary pocket to further warm the fingers or hands of the person wearing the garment. Garment 720 is similar to garment 220 described above except that garment 720 additionally comprises panel 754. Those remaining components of garment 720 which correspond to components of garment 220 are numbered similarly.

[0096] Panel 754 comprises a panel positioned within the interior of pocket 256 to divide pocket 256 into a primary pocket 756 and auxiliary pocket 757. In some implementations, panel 354 may be secured by the same connector 66 that secures panel 254 to sleeve 26-1. In some implementations, panel 754 may terminate prior to reaching floor 60 of pocket 256. In some implementations, panel 754 may be formed from an elastic material. In other implementations, at least portions of panel 254 may be inelastic, wherein the elastic nature of front portion 157 of panel 254 (or retainers 70, 72) resiliently retain panel 254 towards or against rear portion 255 of panel 254. In other implementations, panel 754 may alternatively extend in front of or to the interior side of 157 to form auxiliary pocket 757.

[0097] As shown by FIGS. 15 and 16, auxiliary pocket 757 removably receives a heating element 780. In some implementations, the heating element 780 may comprise a flexible pouch or bag containing a fluid material (a liquid or particulate material) configured to absorb energy or heat and slowly release heat. For example, a pouch or bag may contain a liquid or spherical particles which may be heated using microwave oven or other heat sources, wherein the stored heat is slowly released. In some implementations, the removable heating element 780 may comprise a flexible bag or pouch containing isolated chemicals, wherein manual or other manipulation of the pouch or bag results in the chemicals being mixed to create an exothermic reaction that releases heat. In yet other implementations, the heating element 780 may comprise other forms or mechanisms that slowly release heat.

[0098] FIG. 17 illustrates garment 720 with the thumb and fingers 782 of a person's hand received within primary pocket 756 with heating element 780 positioned within auxiliary pocket 757. Heat output by heating, 780 may pass through or be thermally conducted through panel 754 to warm fingers 782 received within primary pocket 756. In circumstances where heating elements 780 is not desired, heating element 780 may be removed. In circumstances heating element 780 has been exhausted or requires energy replenishment, heating element 780 may be removed for replacement or reheating such as where heating element 780 stores and slowly releases heat. In other implementations, heating elements 780 positioned within primary pocket 756 while a person's fingers may be inserted into auxiliary pocket 757. In some implementations, panel 754 may be omitted, wherein heating element 780 is positioned within the same pocket as that of fingers 782. In some implementations, garment 720 may alternatively comprise panel 154 or panels 354-1, 354-2 in place of panel 254, wherein panel 754 is inserted within the pocket of such panels to divide the pocket into the primary pocket and the auxiliary pocket.

[0099] FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18C illustrate portions of an example garment 820. FIG. 18A is a sectional view illustrating portions of an example garment 820. FIGS. 18B and 18C are enlarged fragmentary views of garment 820 illustrating the cuff pockets 756 and 757 of garment 20 in unexpanded and expanded states, respectively. Garment 820 is similar to garment 720 described above except that garment 820 has a sleeve 826-2 with a cuff 832-2 and additionally comprises electrical warming system 784. In addition, garment 820 comprises panels 854 and 855 in place of panels 254 and 754, respectively. Those remaining components of garment 820 which correspond to of garment 720 are numbered similarly.

[0100] Cuff 832-2 has a first portion 786 that partially defines sleeve opening 436 and a second portion or extension 788 that project below sleeve openings 436. First portion 786 forms a first portion of the circumference of sleeve 826-2 to where extension 788 begins. First portion 786 comprises an inelastic portion 871 and an elastic rim 873. Elastic rim 873 defines a portion of the sleeve opening 836. In some implementations, inelastic portion 871 of first portion 786 terminates short of sleeve opening 436, wherein rim 781 comprises an elastic panel or band sewn, stitched or otherwise joined to end portions of the inelastic portion 871 and extending therefrom to define the first portion 786 of sleeve opening 436. In some implementations, the panel or material forming inelastic portion 871 continuously extends to sleeve opening 436, wherein those portions adjacent to sleeve opening 786 are made elastic with an elastic band joined to and overlapping an interior surface of such portions. For example, in some implementations, the otherwise inelastic material or panel of inelastic portion 871 adjacent to sleeve opening 436 may be made elastic by securing the otherwise inelastic material to an elastic band at spaced locations separated by loose folds or pleats in the inelastic material (a ladder glue or stitch method), wherein the loose folds or pleats expand during stretching of the elastic band.

[0101] In the example illustrated, floor 60 is carried or supported by extension 788, below and beyond the interior 34 of sleeve 426-2 while the mouth 64 of pocket 56 resides within interior 34 of sleeve 426-2. Because the floor of the pocket 56 is lower, below sleeve opening 436, the pocket 756 may be deeper without impacting the ability the person wearing the garment to retract his or her hands into the sleeve 426-2 to insert his or her hands into the pocket 756. Because the floor 60 of the pocket 756 is lower, the extent to which the arms of the person wearing the garment are retracted into the sleeve 426-2 while the hand resides within the pocket 756 is reduced. As result, the garment 820 may be more comfortable to wear when the pocket 756 is being utilized for receiving a hand. Because the mouth 64 resides within the interior sleeve 34, the interior of the pocket 756 may be maintained at a warmer temperature.

[0102] In the example illustrated, extension 788 has a lower edge 738 that linearly slopes or ramps downwardly from sleeve opening 436 to a location below or at floor 60. FIGS. 11B and 11C illustrate variations of sleeve 426-2 and of extension 441 of cuffs 432. As shown in FIG. 11B, extension 788 may have a lower edge similar to lower edge 438 that alternatively curves from sleeve opening 436 to a location at or below floor 60 with a concave profile. As shown by FIG. 11C, extension 788 may have a lower edge similar to edge 438 that alternatively curves from sleeve opening 436 to a location at or below floor 60 with a convex profile.

[0103] Electrical warming system 784 provides electrical heat for warming a person's hand received within pocket 757 (or pocket 756). Electrical warming system 784 comprises electrical resistance heating elements 790 (electrical resistors) which when supplied with electrical current, emit heat for warming the contents of the pocket 256. In some implementations, electrical resistance heating elements 790 are provided as part of or extend across rear portion 255 of panel 254. In some implementations, electrical resistance heating elements 790 are formed along the interior surface of wall 48 adjacent to pocket 256.

[0104] The electrically resistive heating elements 790 are provided with electrical power from a battery 792 and which are actuated by an electrical switch 794 (schematically illustrated). Battery 792 may be located within one of the two pockets 756, 757 or may be located at other locations on garment 820. Switch 794 may be located on or within sleeve 426-2 or at other locations on garment 820. In some implementations where electrical warming system 784 is provided, heating elements 780 may be omitted. In such implementations, panel 754 may also be omitted.

[0105] Panels 854 and 855 are similar to panels 254 and 754, respectively, described above with respect to FIGS. 14-17 except that panels 854 and 855 each additionally comprise at least one pleat 890. Pleats 890 each comprise a doubled or folded portion 892 extending between end portions 894. In the example illustrated, end portions 890 glued, welded or otherwise secured to one another and such or to full the portion 892 at the opposite ends of pleats 890 to maintain the full the portion 892 in its folded or unexpanded state shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B. In the example illustrated, each of folded portions 892 is folded along a circumferential fold line and extends in a direction away from sleeve opening 436.

[0106] FIG. 18C illustrates both of pockets 756 and 757 in an expanded state, such as when a person wearing garment 820 inserts his or her hand into pocket 757 and in some circumstances, curls his or her hand into a fist. As shown by FIG. 18C, during such expansion, pleats 890 unfold in the direction indicated by arrows 895 to enlarge such pockets to accommodate the person's hand. In some implementations, pleats 890 may be omitted. For example, in some implementations, one or both of panels 854 and 855 may be formed from an elastic fabric or other elastic material. In some implementations, panels 854 and 855 may be formed from an elastic material and may additionally include the described pleats for even greater expandability.

[0107] FIGS. 19-28 illustrate portions of an example garment 920. FIG. 19 is a front view of garment 920 while FIG. 20 is a rear view of garment 920. Garment 920 is in the form of a hooded jacket or coat having a torso portion 924 and sleeves 926-1, 926-2.

[0108] Torso portion 924 comprises that portion garment 920 configured to clothe a person's torso, including the person's chest, back and, in some implementations, abdomen. Torso portion 924 comprise shoulder regions 925-1 and 925-2 on opposite sides of a neck opening 928. Neck opening 928 is bordered by a hood 929. In the example illustrated, the front of torso portion 924 is split, wherein opposite the split are selectively closable by a zipper 930. In other implementations, torso portion 24 continuously extends across the front and back of the person wearing garment 20 or opposite sides of the split may be selectively closed by a hook and loop Velcro, one or more hooks and/or one or more buttons. In the example illustrated, torso portion 924 additionally comprises external pockets 931 as well as internal pockets (not shown).

[0109] Sleeves 926-1, 926-2 (collectively referred to as sleeves 926) extend laterally from shoulder regions 925-1 and 925-12, respectively. Sleeves 926-1 and 926-2 are substantially identical to one another. Sleeves 926 each have an inner side 940 which faces torso portion 924, and opposite out or side 942, a forwardly facing side 944 and a rearwardly facing side 946. Sleeves 926-1 and 926-2 terminate at cuffs 932-1 and 932-2, respectively.

[0110] FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate cuff 932-1. FIG. 21 illustrates a front view of cuff 932-1. FIG. 22 illustrates a side view of cuff 932-1 from the inner side 940. As shown by FIGS. 21 and 22, cuff 932-1 is similar to cuff 732-2 (shown and described above with respect to FIG. 18), wherein cuff 942 has a lower edge 938 comprising a first portion 986 that forms a portion of sleeve opening 936 and an extension 988 having a lowermost edge 989 in transitioning edges 991 which linearly slope away from sleeve opening 936. As shown by FIG. 22, inside surfaces of extension 988 are not within the interior of sleeve 926-1, being exposed while facing torso portion 924.

[0111] FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate the same portion of sleeve 926-1 shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, respectively, but with sleeve 926-1 turned inside out. As shown by FIG. 23, garment 920 comprises a panel 954 secured to the interior surface 933 of sleeve 96-1 (the surface facing the interior of sleeve 96-1). Panel 954 secured to cuff 932-1 along edges 989 and 991 to form floor 960 of a pocket 956. Panel 954 is further secured to cuff 922-1 along sides 962, terminating at an entrance opening or mouth 964. Mouth 964 is located above sleeve opening 936, within the interior of sleeve 926-1. In the example illustrated, panel 954 is secured to sleeve 96-1 by stitching. In other implementations, panel 954 may be secured to sleeve 926-1 by other securement methods such as adhesives or welds. In yet other implementations, garment 920 may be provided with other forms of a panel and pocket such as those described above with respect to garments 120-820.

[0112] In the example illustrated, panel 954 is formed from an elastic resiliently flexible material such as nylon/spandex blend. In other implementations, the panel 954 can be formed of a nylon power stretch warp knit mesh. The pocket 956 formed by panel 954 has a depth within the range of 8 cm to 13 cm. The pocket 956 formed by panel 954 has a width within the range of 4 to 10 cm. The pocket 956 can have a pocket ratio within the range of 50 to 72 percent.

[0113] FIGS. 25-28 illustrate the use of garment 920. FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrate garment 920 being worn without the person's hands being received within either of pockets 956. As shown by FIG. 26, extension 988 projects outwardly beyond sleeve opening 936. Extension 988 of cuff 932-2 covers a backside of the person's thumb and fingers as a project beyond extension 988.

[0114] FIGS. 27 and 28 illustrate garment 920 while pocket 956 is receiving the person's hand. In the example illustrated, the hand is in the form of a first within pocket 956. As shown by FIGS. 27 and 28, when receiving the person's hand, portions of panel 954 and otherwise interior surfaces of pocket 956 extend beyond sleeve opening 936, and even beyond extension 988. During such times, panel 954 may be elastically stretching to accommodate the hand curled into a fist. The extension 988 can be referred to as the offset and can have a length or depth of at least 1 cm. In some implementations, the offset can be within the range of 2 to 3 cm. In other implementations, panel 954 and the formed pocket 956 may have other dimensions. Due to its elastic nature, panel 954 and pocket 956 return into a close conformal state with the interior surfaces of sleeve 926 upon withdrawal of the hand from the pocket 956.

[0115] In the example shown and described above with respect to FIGS. 19-28, the extension 988 of cuff 932-1 is centered and extends along the outwardly facing side 942 of sleeve 926-1. As described above, a person wearing the garment may more easily retract his or her hand into the interior to access the mouth of the pocket and then extend his or her hand forwardly into the pocket. In addition, the extension 988 may cover the back of a person's hand and/or fingers when the hand is not being received within the pocket. With such a configuration, the palm of the hand or at least the palm side of the fingers of the hand remain exposed, permitting the person to continue to use his or her hand when grasping or manipulating articles, depressing environmental surfaces and/or providing touch. In those implementations where the pocket is at least partially carried by the extension portion of the cuff, the pocket is also less likely to interfere with use of the hand when and is not being received within the pocket.

[0116] FIG. 29 is a side view of an example garment 1020. Garment 1020 is similar to garment 920 described above except that garment 1020 comprises sleeves 1026 having cuffs 1032. In contrast to cuffs 932, cuffs 1032 have extensions 1088 that are on the rearward facing side 946 of sleeves 1026. Likewise, the panel 954 (shown in FIG. 23) is alternatively located along the interior rear surface of cuff 1032, forming the pocket 956 which is also on the interior rear side of sleeve 1026. As with garment 920, the pocket 956 has a floor 60 below the sleeve opening 936 and a pocket access entrance or mouth 964 above sleeve opening 936, within the interior of sleeve 1026. In such a configuration, sleeve 1026 is at its shortest length along its front or forward facing side 944, providing the largest degree of exposure to the thumb of the hand projecting beyond sleeve opening 936 when the hand is not being received within pocket 956.

[0117] FIGS. 30-39 illustrates portions of an example garment 920 having an example sleeve 926 with a cuff 932. Garment 920 may be in the form of a coat, jacket, hoody, sweater, shirt or other garment having a torso portion 24 (shown in FIG. 10) and a pair of sleeves 926 (one of which is shown). Each of sleeves 926 extends laterally from shoulder regions and terminate at respective cuffs 932. Each of sleeves 926 has an inner side 40 that faces and is closest to torso portion 24, an outer side 42 opposite to inner side 40, a forward facing side and a rearward facing side. Sleeves 926 and cuffs 932 are substantially identical to one another.

[0118] As shown by FIGS. 30 and 31, sleeve 926 is generally tubular in shape and comprises an interior that terminates at sleeve opening 936. Cuff 932 comprises extensions 941 that project below sleeve opening 436. In the example illustrated, extension 941 has a lower edge 938 that linearly slopes or ramps downwardly from sleeve opening 936. In other implementations, extension 941 may have a lower edge with a concave or convex profile as shown in the examples of FIGS. 11B and 11C, respectively. In the example illustrated, sleeve 926 is formed by a pair of panels 1002, 1003 joined along a seam 1004. In some implementations, the panels 1002 and 1003 may be formed from a Gore-Tex material.

[0119] As shown by FIGS. 32 and 33 which illustrate portions of sleeve 926 turned inside out, garment 920 additionally comprises panel 954 and elastic rim 973. Panel 954 is secured within the interior of sleeve 926 proximate to cuffs 932 to form cuff pocket 956 along the interior of the outer side 42 of sleeve 926. As shown by FIGS. 34 and 35 cuff pocket 956 comprises a floor 960, lateral sides 962 and an entrance opening or mouth 964 that form a pocket interior 965. Floor 960 extends along and adjacent to the lower edge 938 of extension 941. In one example implementation, floor 960 is located within the interior 934 of the sleeve 926 no greater than 0.5 inches from lower edge 938. As a result, the extent to which the arms of the person wearing the garment are retracted into the sleeve 926 while the hand resides within the pocket 956 is reduced. As result, the garment 920 may be more comfortable to wear when pocket 56 is being utilized for receiving a hand. Although floor 960 is illustrated as being generally parallel to cuff edge 38, in other implementations, floor 960 may be V-shaped, or may be concave.

[0120] Sides 962 extend upwardly from floor 960 and cooperate with floor 960 to form the interior of pocket 956. Mouth 964 provides access to the interior of pocket 956. Mouth 964 is located within the interior 934 of sleeve 926. In the example illustrated, mouth 964 is spaced from floor 960 such that the interior pocket 956 has a depth D sufficient to receive at least an entire length of each of the fingers of a hand received within pocket 956. In some implementations, pocket 956 has a depth D within the range of 8 cm to 13 cm. Pocket 956 has a width W sufficient to receive at least the index finger, middle finger, ring finger and pinky of the hand received within pocket 956. In some implementations, pocket 956 has a width W of at least 4 cm. In some implementations, the pocket 56 has a width within the range of 4 cm to 7 cm. In some implementations, the pocket 956 can have a pocket ratio of approximately 65 percent or approximately 234 degrees about the centerline of the interior 934 of the sleeve 926 (or about the circumference of the sleeve at the cuff pocket). The pocket ratio refers to the amount of the circumference of the sleeve that is covered by the pocket 956 over 360 degrees. In some implementations, pocket 956 extends within the range of 180 degrees to 260 degrees about the axial centerline of the interior 934 of sleeve 926 (or about the circumference of sleeve at the cuff pocket) or a pocket ration within the range of 50% to 72%. In some implementations, pocket 956 extends greater than 260 about the axial centerline of the interior 934 of sleeve 926.

[0121] In the example illustrated, panel 954 is secured to the interior surfaces of sleeve 926 by stitching or stitch lines 959 extending along floor 960 and sides 962. In the example illustrated, as shown by FIGS. 30, 34 and 35, lower edges of panel 1003 are folded over lower edges of panel 954, wherein the same stitch line hems lower edges 38 of cuff 932 and secures panel to form the floor 960. In other implementations, heat welds, fusing, adhesives or the like may be used to secure panel 954. In some implementations, panel 954 may be releasably secured to the interior surfaces of sleeve 926 by connectors in the form of one or more zippers, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons or the like.

[0122] As shown by FIGS. 33, 34 and 35, side 962 of panel 954 additionally comprise a pleat 990 between floor 960 and mouth 964. Pleat 990 comprises a doubled or folded portion 992 extending between adjacent portions 994. Pleat 990 is an upturned pleat with portion 992 extending away from the lower edge 938 of extension 941. As result, expansion of pleat 990 occurs in a downward direction. In addition, pleat 990 folded in a direction away from the interior arm passage of sleeve 926, extending between adjacent portion 994 and the outer wall or panel 1003 of sleeve 926. As result, pleat 990 is less likely to be unintentionally expanded during insertion of a person's hand through the interior of sleeve 926 but not within pocket 956.

[0123] As shown by FIG. 34, at the ends of pleat 990, portion 992 is secured to one or both of adjacent portions 994 with stitches, welding, adhesives or the like to maintain the length of folded portion 992 that extends between the secured ends in a folded or unexpanded state shown in FIGS. 34 and 35. In the example illustrated, each of folded portions 992 is folded along a circumferential fold line and extends in a direction away from sleeve opening 936.

[0124] FIGS. 36 and 37 illustrate pocket 956 in an expanded state, such as when a person wearing garment 920 inserts his or her hand into pocket 956 and in some circumstances, curls his or her hand into a fist. As shown by FIG. 36, during such expansion, pleats 990 unfold in the direction indicated by arrows 995 to enlarge such pockets to accommodate the person's hand. In some implementations, pleats 990 may be omitted. For example, in some implementations, panel 954 may be formed from an elastic fabric or other elastic material (spandex, Lycra or elastane). In some implementations, panel 954 may be formed from an elastic material and may additionally include the described pleats for even greater expandability.

[0125] In some implementations, the mouth 964 of pocket 956 may additionally be associated with a releasable connector 967 (schematically shown in FIG. 34) for releasably securing or maintaining mouth 964 in a closed state. As result, the person's hand is the lines likely to accidentally extend into the pocket 956 during initial insertion of the person's arm through the sleeve 926. Examples of connector 967 include, one or more snaps, one or more hook and loop fasteners, one or more hooks/loops and/or one or more buttons/buttonholes.

[0126] As shown by broken lines in FIGS. 34-36, in some implementations, portions along the mouth 964 of the pocket 956 may be provided with an elastic retainer 970 in the form of an elastic band, strip or cord which may extend along an exterior/interior of the mouth 964 or may be contained within a fold (hem) along the mouth 964. The retainer 970 retains mouth 964 in a closed position when the pocket 956 is not being used and may retain the mouth 964 against the interior surfaces of the sleeve 926. As result, the mouth 964 is less likely to be inadvertently engaged by a person's hand during the donning of garment 920.

[0127] Although the cross-sections shown in FIGS. 34-36 illustrate sleeve 926 as being formed by a panel or wall comprising a single layer, it should be appreciated that 926 may comprise a single layer or multiple layers. For example, in some implementations, panels 1002, 1003 of sleeve 926 may be formed from inner and outer layers with an insulative layer therebetween.

[0128] FIG. 39 is a sectional view of elastic rim 973, in an unstretched state, taken along line 39-39 of FIG. 30. Elastic rim 973 forms a first portion of the circumference of sleeve 926 to where extension 941 begins. Elastic rim 970 comprises an inelastic exterior portion 984 and an elastic interior portion 985. Inelastic exterior portion is formed by panel 1002. As indicated above, in some implementations, panel 1002 may be waterproof. In some implementations, panel 1000 into may be formed from Gore-Tex.

[0129] Elastic interior portion 985 provides elasticity to rim 973. Elastic interior portion 985 may comprise an elastic band. In the example illustrated, the otherwise inelastic material or panel of inelastic exterior portion 970 adjacent to sleeve opening 936 is made elastic by securing the otherwise inelastic material to the elastic band of portion 985 at spaced locations 987 separated by loose folds or pleats 988 in the inelastic material (a ladder glue or stitch method).

[0130] FIG. 39 illustrates elastic rim 973 in a stretched state. When elastic rim 973 is in the stretched state, the loose folds or pleats 988 expand with stretching of the elastic band of portion 985. As result, sleeve opening 936 may form a close fit about the wrist of a person wearing garment 920 while accommodating the passage of a hand through sleeve opening 936.

[0131] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to example implementations, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the claimed subject matter. For example, although different example implementations may have been described as including features providing benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with one another in the described example implementations or in other alternative implementations. Because the technology of the present disclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology are foreseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to the example implementations and set forth in the following claims is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting a single particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular elements. The terms first, second, third and so on in the claims merely distinguish different elements and, unless otherwise stated, are not to be specifically associated with a particular order or particular numbering of elements in the disclosure.